Reader,Imarriedhim.Aquietweddingwehad:heandI,theparsonandclerk,werealo.Whebachurch,Iwentintothekitofthemanor-house,whereMarywascookingthedinnerandJohningtheknives,andIsaid—

    “Mary,IhavebeenmarriedtoMr.Rochesterthism.”Thehousekeeperandherhusbandwerebothofthatdetphlegmaticorderofpeople,towhomonemayatanytimesafelyunicatearemarkablepieewswithoutincurringthedangerofhavingone’searspiercedbysomeshrillejaculation,andsubsequentlystunnedbyatorrentofwordywonderment.Marydidlookup,andshedidstareatme:theladlewithwhichshewasbastingapairofchisroastingatthefire,didforsomethreeminuteshangsuspendedinair;andforthesamespaeJohn’sknivesalsohadrestfromthepolishingprocess:butMary,bendingagaiheroast,saidonly—

    “Haveyou,Miss?Well,forsure!”

    Ashorttimeaftershepursued—“Iseedyougooutwiththemaster,butIdidn’tknowyoochurchtobewed;”aedaway.Johurohim,wasgrinningfromeartoear.

    “ItelledMaryhowitwouldbe,”hesaid:“IknewwhatMr.Edward”(Johnwasanoldservant,andhadknownhismasterwhehecadetofthehouse,therefore,heoftengavehimhisChristianname)—“IknewwhatMr.Edwardwoulddo;andIwascertainhewouldnotwaitloher:andhe’sdht,fhtIknow.Iwishyoujoy,Miss!”andhepolitelypulledhisforelock.

    “Thankyou,John.Mr.RochestertoldmetogiveyouandMarythis.”Iputintohishandafive-poundhoutwaitingtohearmore,Ileftthekit.Inpassingthedoorofthatsanctumsometimeafter,Icaughtthewords—

    “She’llhappeerforhimnoronyo’t’grandladies.”Andagain,“Ifsheben’toh’handsomest,she’snoanfaalandvarrygood-natured;andi’hiseenshe’sfairbeautiful,